Search Underway for Missing Person at Cove Beach Park, Maui

UPDATE:  The search for a woman reported missing on Thursday evening, has since been called off after the woman was found to be safe on Friday afternoon.  Full details at the following direct LINK.

The Coast Guard on Thursday night launched a search for a possible person in the water in the vicinity of Cove Beach Park in Kīhei, Maui.

Cove Park file photos by Wendy Osher.

A male individual called 9-1-1 to report his girlfriend missing at around 9 p.m. He told authorities he was with her at the beach from 4:30 to 5 p.m. and left for a period of time, but when he returned, he found some of her belongings still on the beach, but she was missing, as well as her phone.

Authorities say they are searching for Emily Walton. The female was last seen wearing a black bikini and has a partially shaved head, dark blonde hair with green eyes and was reported to be a good swimmer.

Anyone with information on the location of Walton is asked to call the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center in Honolulu at (808) 842-2600.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew from Coast Guard Station Maui searched the area for about two hours due to the uncertainty of Walton being in the water.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point will conduct a first light search of the surrounding area today.